Simmons settles into Bears role

Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons recorded six tackles and one sack during the Chicago Bears' 34-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. He had just been traded from the Tennessee Titans to the Bears immediately before the game.

The new arrival at Halas Hall focused on preparing for his debut on short notice. He reviewed the game plan and selected a bright orange undershirt so his daughter could spot him on television.

After the win at Lumen Field, head coach Ben Johnson led the team through a postgame ritual in the visiting locker room. The routine included the coach's signature celebration, known as the stanky leg, followed by a chant called good, better, best. Simmons laughed at the celebration but struggled to follow the chant's lyrics.

Defensive end Montez Sweat, a former teammate from Mississippi State, attempted to assist Simmons with the words. Simmons said he has been reviewing videos of the chant to prepare for the next game. He expects to know the words when the team appears on camera again.

Simmons has established himself as a leader within days of joining the roster. He earned four Pro Bowl selections during his time with the Titans. He served as a team captain for Tennessee at age 24 and worked with former Bears safety Kevin Byard early in his career.

Simmons enjoys fishing, a hobby he learned from his grandfather in Macon, Mississippi. He used the activity to build relationships with teammates in Tennessee. He took quarterback Cam Ward fishing when Ward was drafted. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has not yet spent time on the water with Simmons but has noted his teammate's habits in the locker room.

Williams observed Simmons cleaning up trash in the Seattle locker room after the game. The defensive tackle picked up debris from both the offensive and defensive sides before leaving. Williams said the behavior demonstrates the type of leader Simmons will be for the group.

Simmons stated that he does not intend to change the existing culture at the Bears. He described the environment as already having a strong foundation. He aims to elevate the team through his play and by handling details that may seem small at the time.

The player is currently staying in a hotel while adjusting to his move from the South. He calls his daughter on FaceTime instead of seeing her daily. His family will join him in Chicago for the Bears' game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night. That contest will be his first at Soldier Field.

Simmons has a bye week following the Buccaneers game. He plans to return to Nashville before the Bears begin practices for their November 22 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. He signed a three-year contract extension with Tennessee in June, but he accepted the trade as circumstances changed.